The High Court today (Sep 21) upheld the death penalty for four members of the banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and acquitted one in the case filed over the killing of Japanese citizen Kunio Hoshi in 2015.

A High Court division bench comprising Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman and Justice S M Masud Hossain Dolon passed the order after hearing the death reference and appeal petition.

The four convicts are JMB regional commander Masud Rana alias Mamun, Liton Mia alias Rafique, Shakhawat Hossain, and Ahsan Ullah Ansari alias Biplob. The court acquitted another convict Ishak Ali for lack of evidence.

Of them, Ahsan Ullah, a student of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University, was tried in absentia.

The High Court on September 4 started hearing the death reference and appeals in the case.

Rangpur Special Judge Court on February 28, 2017, sentenced five members of banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to death in the case.

BDST: 1229 HRS, SEP 21, 2022
MN/SMS